1st Ever Jim and Annie Marshall Family Reunion

July 22-25, 2010 was the first ever official Jim and Annie Marshall Family Reunion. For the first time in 8 years all 8 kids and their families would be together at the same time. We had 48 family members plus a few adopted family members. The only person missing was Cameron, our missionary in Argentina. There were some scares that a few people might not make it, surgeries postponed, people hospitalized, and things like that, but it all worked out and everyone came.



We had a youth temple trip, we stayed at the Astoria KOA resort, visited Tillamook Cheese Factory, hiked at Cape Lookout, had fish and chips in Astoria, took pictures on the windiest day ever, swam, played at the beach, played on the playgrounds and jumping pillow and made a family video. All in all, I thought it was pretty perfect and I can't believe how blessed I am to have such an incredible family!

We're Ready!

Yesterday we got the official news that Baby Girl Brown is ready to come any time. For our date night, Jay and I went out and got a portable crib for her to nap at our house in case she ever gets tired. We got the fuzzy soft sheets for her delicate face. Jay bought her a ball as he collects those and knew that's what she'd want to play with first. Then we came home, washed everything and set it up. I think this was one of the most fun dates we've ever had! Grammy and Granddad are ready, so feel free to come any time. (This is a very emotional week.:D)

Nick is a missionary

After all the months of preparation, Nick is a missionary!

Though I'll be far away until Jill can nearly drive and Jack's a deacon, I'll cherish the memories of my darling younger siblings.

I got set apart as a missionary by President Shafer. Turns out, he was probably my nursery teacher many years ago!

One last meal before I leave. My stomach is just not ready for food at 6 a.m.

One last view before I go out into the world to serve. This is going to be GREAT!

Welcome Hayden

Today my cousin, Missy, had a baby girl. Hayden Jean Case weighing in at 11 lb. 5 oz. Isn't she adorable!?

I've been feeling pretty nostalgic today as the wedding is over and everything I borrowed is returned. I keep watching the video that played at Kristen's reception Saturday. Those slide shows of the happy couple as they grow up and then become a couple are my favorite parts of receptions. They make their lives look so beautiful when set to inspirational music. Today I can't imagine a more perfect couple and they seem to be made exactly for each other. All the hard parts of raising a child seem to melt away as we watch all the photos that make their life look so enchanted. I was so blessed to have my Kristen in our world. She has brought so much laughter and fun into our family! It's so fantastic to watch her go off into her own life with DJ and yet, we will miss her. I look forward to what's ahead.

Missy is there at the beginning of another story. What will Hayden add to the flavor of their family? The Cases will never be quite the same as they were yesterday. I'm so excited to watch!

Tradition

Getting ready for a wedding reception has been something that has terrified me since I first had a daughter! My talents seem to fall more in other areas than entertaining, cooking and decorating. Yesterday I began making the traditional cream cheese mints for the reception. Being raised on a mint farm, we had handmade mints at my wedding reception and the receptions of many of my siblings. I have happy memories of sitting around the table and making these candies together. There is something so grounding about adding a little actual Marshall Farms mint oil to my daughter's mints. When she popped in yesterday in the middle of my mint making, it made my day as she explained to her husband that this is something she had to have in her wedding reception. Traditions really help! Luckily, he liked them too. I feel just a little more relaxed about next week.

Last Family Scripture Study

Friday night Lindsay arrived for Kristen's wedding and Nick's ordination. We gathered for scriptures and it suddenly hit me that this was the last one with our five kids. Fitting that it was Lehi's dream. I ran and got the camera and they all laughed when I choked up on my verses. So many happy, frustrating, hysterical, wonderful and crazy times we've had learning together as a family unit. The family continues and it's fantastic to watch it fracture into new branches and homes, but for a moment, I was nostalgic. I have been so blessed with my family.

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. DJ Brown

Last night we had our family's first wedding. Kristen married DJ Brown. It was a beautiful ceremony and the couple are extremely happy. I'm so excited for them both and very happy to welcome my first son-in-law into the family!!!!